Magistrates Court Fines Eight Individuals for Online Job Scams Targeting Barbados Nationals
Background
On February 7, 2023, eight individuals, including three women, were charged with involvement with a scam syndicate offering non-existent jobs on Facebook at a condominium unit in Jalan KLJ 5, Taman Kota Laksamana, in Melaka Tengah district. The syndicate targeted Barbados nationals, and the accused were brought to court for their involvement in the scam.
Court Proceedings
The accused, consisting of Ee Ching Jin, 22; See Poh Ying, 21; Gao Jiayu, 32; Chow Jing Qnan, 25; Wong Sin Kien, 28; Wong Cheah Yi, 21; Cheng Wei Yee, 21; and Yu Quan, 34, appeared before Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman, who pronounced the sentence. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges, which were read to them through a Mandarin interpreter.
Sentencing
Magistrate Shienha Suleiman fined each of the accused RM6,000 after considering the severity of the crimes. The magistrate was satisfied with the accused’s guilty plea, which spared them the need for a lengthy trial. The sentence was in line with the prosecution’s request, which sought a heavy sentence due to the involvement of one of the largest scam call centres in Melaka.
Counsel’s Arguments
Deputy public prosecutor Wardah Ishhar argued that the accused should be given a heavy sentence, citing the seriousness of the crimes. She emphasized that the scam syndicate had targeted vulnerable individuals and caused them significant financial loss. On the other hand, lawyer Dennis Chong Chin Wei, representing the accused, requested that the court impose fines, arguing that a sentence of imprisonment would have a more severe impact on the accused and their families.
Conclusion
The Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court has sent a strong message to scammers operating in Melaka, and the community can now feel safer knowing that the authorities are taking concrete action to combat these types of crimes. The sentence serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal activities, and it demonstrates the court’s commitment to protecting the public from the harm caused by these types of scams.
FAQs
- What was the scope of the scam?
The scam involved a syndicate offering non-existent jobs on Facebook to Barbados nationals. - How many individuals were charged with involvement in the scam?
Eight individuals, including three women, were charged with involvement in the scam. - What was the sentence imposed on the accused?
Each of the accused was fined RM6,000 by the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court. - What was the motivation behind the sentence?
The sentence was motivated by the seriousness of the crimes and the need to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities.